An art competition featuring a landmark building in Ellesmere proved to be a real test of skill.
Seven enthusiastic amateur artists entered the Watercolour Challenge, inspired by the popular TV series and organised by the local library team.
The contestants were tasked with producing a drawing or painting depicting the town’s former cottage hospital– now home to the library as part of the Our Space community hub, run by social care charity Bethphage.
It was built in 1906 after a fund-raising campaign led by Miss Louisa Jebb, an aunt of Save the Children founder Eglantyne Jebb.
Library manager Sheila Williams was delighted with the outcome. “We had a lovely day and the event attracted some very talented artists. Thankfully we were blessed with dry weather, so they were able to draw and paint unhindered in the grounds of the library. The judges were really impressed by the high standard”.
The competition was won by Eva Lindberg Bassett, with Chris Lewis and Patrick Courtney 2nd and 3rd respectively. They were awarded vouchers donated by the Meraki Colour art materials shop, Oswestry.
The judges were local professional artists Pam Bowen and Trudi Graham who were joined by Rosie Rees from Whitchurch, a contestant in the first TV series of Watercolour Challenge 25 years ago.
Watercolour Challenge winner Eva Lindberg Bassett, (centre) with runners-up Chris Lewis and Patrick Courtney in front of the library building.
1st prize winner Eva , (centre) with judges Rosie Rees, Trudi Graham and Pam Bowen.
The judges begin the task of picking a winner.
Two of the artists take up the challenge in the library grounds.
